India’s star allrounder Hardik Pandya is currently leading the Indian team in a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Team India started the year on a positive note as the Pandya-led unit secured a thrilling two-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Hardik looked rejuvenated as he returned from the break and played an all-round role in leading Gujarat Franchise to Indian T20 League 2022 title in what was the team’s first season in the cash-rich league. Hardik’s workload has been managed well by the team management and it would be interesting to see what he plays and what he skips after having taken up leadership roles with the white-ball sides. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir expressed his thoughts about Pandya replacing Rohit as India’s next full-time captain in white-ball cricket.
“We have to wait and watch. If actually selectors have moved on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, then probably yes. When Rohit comes back, it’s gonna be difficult for someone like Hardik to replace him as captain because judging him by just one major tournament, it’s not the right parameter. If selectors have already communicated to Virat, KL Rahul and Rohit, and all those guys. If there’s clear communication, they have moved on from them. Then probably Hardik is the only guy at the moment because he is the only one who actually fits in that playing XI. And then you got Suryakumar as his deputy. So I think, that’s going to be the way forward,” Gambhir told Star Sports.
He has done everything possible: Gautam Gambhir
Pandya has replaced opener KL Rahul for the designated leadership role in the limited-overs format. The 29-year-old will remain Rohit’s deputy in the build-up to the 50-over World Cup 2023. Gambhir said that Pandya made a brilliant comeback after his controversy in a TV show and has shown his leadership quality in the Indian T20 League already.
“He has been absolutely brilliant. Since he has come out of that controversy. Since he has taken over as captain of Gujarat Franchise, he has won the Indian T20 League. He has done everything possible that was asked of him, from the Indian cricket point of view. Looking at the World Cup as well, I think the semi-final when it came to that crunch game, where India was under pressure (62/2 in 10 overs).
And then playing that kind of a blinder. I think he has that X-factor. Hopefully, he can try and give that X-factor or courage to other guys as well. This is a very young side, they are fearless, and that is what you want to see in T20I cricket,” Gambhir added.
